sky travel travel agents

Introducing Opteticket

A multi-gds solution for travel agents to gain control, reduce errors, and speed-up ticketing.

Read our press release here!

Sky Bird is excited to unveil Opteticket – the first of many new features developed for the Sky Bird Platform – powered by Chakra!

Opteticket streamlines the ticketing process for GDS bookings by:

• Performs automated tests and checks of PNRs
• grants travel agents greater control over how commission and agency fees are collected
• Eliminates the time-consuming exchange of information with the agency

Opteticket is being launched on Amadeus and Sabre with Travelport to follow. Are you a WINGS user? You can log in to Opteticket with your current WINGS credentials. If not, register here!

Key Features and Benefits of Opteticket

Enhanced Productivity

Less waiting means more time to help other customers.

Instant Review

Real-time PNR review removes back and forth via email to resolve discrepancies.

Commission Control

Complete management of commission and real-time earning view.

Standardized Information

Submission fields are automatically filled in with the correct format required by the airline.

Issue of tourist visas

We will assist with the issue of tourist visas, advise on the required package of documents, and provide support when applying for and receiving of visas.

Booking of hotels, villas, apartments

We will find you an accommodation in a hotel, private villa, chalet or apartment based upon our experience and reliable partners.

Air flight options and booking

We will offer the options of regular and charter flights, or private jets, all over the world, ensuring good flight connection with regard to visa restrictions, and keep the place you need, check in for a flight and save your time.

Cruise options and booking

We will recommend you a cruise company, a good liner and a route, and choose a suite comfortable for you, inform about all options on board and offer individual tours in various cities during stops of a cruise liner.

Transfers, tours, concert tickets

We will offer individual tours with interesting guides and transfers by cars of various classes, and a driver to accompany you during your vacations. We will book tickets for concerts and shows around the world.

Event management

We will make a holiday for you anywhere in the world, be it a wedding ceremony, bachelor or bachelorette party, a birthday with showbiz stars or a corporate party, incentive or teambuilding.

Price and quality

High-quality travel services in the travel industry, savings for clients. Air ticket offices, international partners, competitive prices.

Reliability

10 years of successful experience without a single unsatisfied client! We meet our obligations with full responsibility.

We do our best for you, even in the most unexplored places! We look into, find partners, and offer high-quality services.

Professionalism and development

Constant development and the best awards. Regular training, participation in international exhibitions, IATA certificate and recognition as a sales leader for several years in a row.

24/7 Support

We operate globally, with due regard to a variety of time zones. We are always in close communication with clients and ready to help with solution of a problem or your spontaneous desire to go on a vacation in short order!

Turnkey travel solutions

We can provide everything you need for your vacation or business trip: transport, visas, accommodation, tours, entertainment and unforgettable impressions!

Our services

About us and our team

We operate in Dubai, but provide our services all over the world: plan tourist routes, recommend countries for a vacation, taking into account many years of experience in tourism. We work with individuals and corporate clients.

Sales Director

General Manager

Request a call back

Unforgettable journeys crafted just for you – let us take you there.

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Sky Land and Ocean Travel Agency

The World is a Book and those that

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We are here to satisfy all of your travel needs and make your experience as delightfully memorable as possible.. There is no request too small or too large. We will aim to get you the absolute best rate & value for your Vacation. 

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Why use a travel agent to book business class flights?

Is it possible to travel in business class for less? Yes, you can save on business class flights by calling a travel agent and following a few simple tips. Business class may seem luxurious, but with a bit of savvy planning and the right steps, premium business class seats can be more accessible than you might think. Here’s how you can upgrade your travel experience without breaking the bank.

Why use a travel agent to save on business class flights?

Many travelers have grown accustomed to looking for flight deals online by themselves. So, it might seem counterintuitive to contact a travel agent. However, making the call to a travel agent can help you save on flights . Experienced travel agents know the ins and outs of air travel. They find out about special airline offers before the general public does. Travel agencies also work directly with airlines to offer exclusive fares that you won’t find elsewhere.

At SkyLux Travel , we’ve partnered with over 70 airlines , which means we can get you to any destination in business class for less. Our travel experts can use our exclusive deals, which are not available to the general public, to secure discounted fares. They also know about price fluctuations and can suggest good deals with specific airlines for specific dates. By talking to an expert at SkyLux Travel, you won’t miss an opportunity to save.  You can take advantage of our exclusive deals on business class flights and can save as much as 50%-77% on your flights . Unlock unpublished airfares and discounted flights today by calling a travel agent!

How can a travel agent help you with your business class flight booking?

Because travel agents book flights daily, they know which factors can affect price. Flexibility is key when trying to maximize your business class flight savings. Flying mid-week or during off-peak seasons can significantly reduce costs. Airlines tend to lower their prices to fill seats during these times, giving you a better chance to snag a business class seat at a steep discount.

Travel agents can also suggest other optimal times to book flights . If you’re flexible about your travel dates, travel agents can suggest alternative times when you can save on business class flights. As experts in business class travel, SkyLux Travel can help you save  more on premium flights than other travel agencies.

Are there disadvantages to booking business class flights with a travel agent?

Travel agents can book different types of tickets for you. When you book a consolidator rate or an unpublished fare with a travel agent, sometimes you can’t take advantage of airline loyalty programs. Frequent travelers accumulate miles and use them for upgrades to business class or to book free business class tickets. With some unpublished fares, you won’t get miles credited. However, you’ll save on business class flights by using a travel agent, so it’s a fair trade-off to make.

Can I save on last-minute flights with a travel agent?

The advantage of using a travel agent is that they work with all types of bookings, including last-minute flights. A travel agent will get the lowest possible fare for you. However, do keep in mind that usually last-minute flights cost more. The reason for this is that airlines know that if you’re booking at the eleventh hour, you’ll be less flexible with dates. Also, airplanes tend to be fuller closer to the flight date. But a travel agent will still help you save on business class flights when you book at the eleventh hour.

If you have the choice, we suggest booking your flights at least a month before your travel date to increase savings.  Call SkyLux Travel and ask our travel agents about the deals available on your travel dates. An added advantage of using a travel agent is that you’ll get personalized service tailored to your needs . Another advantage of contacting a travel agent at SkyLux Travel is the 24/7 assistance that comes with our services. You’ll have access to our   after-hours support for itinerary changes, cancellations, and travel issues. We’re here for you throughout your trip until you return home safely.

Do travel agents offer different business class flights?

Yes, a travel agent is there to help you book the best deal that’s right for you. For example, ask your travel agent about exploring alternative airports and routes.  Why? Flying out of a smaller or less busy airport or choosing a flight that includes a stopover can result in cheaper business class tickets. If you’re a traveler willing to make a slight adjustment to your itinerary planning, a travel agent can suggest all these options. After all, it’s worth exploring different routes and airports near your destination if you want to save on business class flights.

The best way to take advantage of such opportunities is to talk to a knowledgeable travel agent who knows different itinerary options. When you call the travel agents at SkyLux Travel, they’ll have several itineraries ready for you within minutes and explain the differences between each one. Additionally, when you call a travel agent at SkyLux Travel, you can get more than flight tickets. We’re your all-in-one travel companion: we can arrange for accommodations, transfers, and car rentals.

Traveling in business class doesn’t have to be just a dream. Get personalized assistance from a travel agent and enjoy the comfort and perks of business class while staying within your budget. Contact SkyLux Travel today by calling 888-999-5524  and talk to a travel agent to save on business class flights.  We’ll provide you with the best options for your next affordable business class flight! You can call us 24/7 at any time convenient for you. SkyLux Travel’s  team of 400 hand-picked travel experts is always available to assist you with all your business class travel requests and needs!

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How to Become a Travel Agent: Everything You Need to Know

A re you great at finding reasonably priced flights and hotel rooms? Does making itineraries and solving booking issues come naturally to you? If your answer is yes, you might want to consider becoming a travel agent. And if you're the designated "trip-planning friend," you're already halfway there.

You might think the the profession is outdated, but that's not what the data shows: According to the American Society of Travel Advisors (ASTA), 50 percent of travelers are more likely to use a travel agent now than they were in the past. Not only are travel agents needed, but the career's earning potential can be impressive, depending on the type of agent you choose to be. Use this guide to learn how to become a travel agent and kickstart your journey into a unique career.

RELATED: 26 Best Trip-Planning Hacks Straight From Travel Agents .

What do travel agents do?

A travel agent's job is to ensure their clients have the best travel arrangements. Using their expertise, they offer advice and essential details about your trip, make your reservations, book flights and hotels, and manage your travel plans overall. Any hiccups regarding your accommodations are handled by them, and they are the best at finding money-saving deals. Travel agents prioritize your needs, like your vacation schedule and budget.

Their goal is to provide peace of mind throughout the trip-planning process so you can get the most out of your vacation.

What credentials do you need to be a travel agent?

You don't necessarily need a degree to become a travel agent, but getting some training within the field could be in your best interest. This not only makes you an attractive candidate to employers and agencies who may require a form of certification , but also helps you appear more qualified, which can help further your career in the long run.

Even though there might not be a degree in "travel agency" per se, you can opt for a related program like business, economics, or hospitality instead.

What do you need to become a travel agent?

There are different ways to become a travel agent, but anyone hoping to break into the field should definitely keep the following three points in mind.

Decide what kind of travel agent you want to be.

Having a specific focus on the kind of travel experience you want to provide allows you to build the knowledge and resources to best help those specific clients. Suppose you want to work in corporate travel: Building your skills according to your niche clientele and field will help you sharpen the skills you need to develop your expertise.

Learn about the travel industry and its trends.

The travel agency field is constantly shifting, so it's important to stay up-to-date on industry changes and trends to know what you should be offering clients. People's preferences are ever-changing, so knowing what's hot and what's not is crucial. Spend time learning which places are popular and unpopular based on the season, or which restaurants are staple visits. This shows a solid and up-to-date understanding your clients will appreciate.

Build your communication and interpersonal skills.

A large part of being a travel agent is advising your clients and earning their trust, which doesn't happen overnight. Presenting yourself as knowledgeable and approachable can encourage them to trust your judgment and recommendations. This is especially important if you're not working with a travel agency, because you'll have to rely more on your brand and relationships instead of leaning on a company's reputation.

Maintaining a healthy balance of communication between you and your clients is also essential, which means scheduling phone calls, in-person meetings, keeping up with emails, and any other form of communication your client prefers.

RELATED: 9 Ways Flying First Class Can Actually Save You Money, Travel Experts Say .

Get certified if you can

Getting a certificate can be pricey and cost hundreds of dollars . So, if this option is not feasible for you, that's understandable. However, while certification isn't a requirement to become a travel agent, it can certainly help you throughout your career. Here are a few certificate programs to consider.

Certified Travel Counselor

This Travel Institute certificate requires at least five years of experience and a Certified Travel Association certification. This course focuses on marketing and building consumer relationships. CTC costs $550 to complete the course and $600 for the CTC Fast Track.

Certified Travel Industry Executive

CTIE is also backed by the Travel Institute and requires at least five years of field experience. This $550 program includes courses on travel business, marketing management, bookkeeping, and travel law.

ASTA Verified Travel Advisor

This certificate is given by the American Society of Travel Advisors and teaches applicants about the legalities of travel and how to solidify relationships with consumers. The nine-course program also focuses on ethical travel advising, agency law, and travel agency compliance.

For ASTA members, the course is $399, and for nonmember independent contractors, it's $598. Travel Advisor nonmembers pay the steepest price, which is $729, and $179 for recertification.

RELATED: 7 Hacks for Flying With Just a Carry-On—No Matter How Long Your Trip Is .

How much do travel agents make?

According to Indeed , travel agents make an average of $53,924, and salaries can range between $30,131 and $96,506, depending on where you live. But other factors can affect an agent's earning potential, like working independently instead of for a travel agency.

A travel agent's income also depends on their area of travel. The Hotel Agency Review 2023 report revealed that corporate and luxury travel agents earn much more than agents who focus on Disney and cruise trips.

Your experience level can also impact your earning potential, as agents who have worked in the field longer are typically viewed as more qualified.

RELATED:  The 7 Best Cruises to Book If You're Over 60 .

Do travel agents get discounts on flights?

Being a travel agent doesn't automatically mean you get tons of discounts and deals, but they do have access to perks that can help make planning trips easier and less expensive. Travel agents have the inside scoop on reduced rates because of their relationships with hotels and airlines. As a result, agents share these negotiated prices with their clients to help them save. Agents can, of course, also benefit from this insider knowledge and save money on their own trips.

Thanks to their agents, clients can enjoy luxury accommodations at high-end hotels like Hyatt Privé, Hilton Impresario, Marriott STARS&Luminous, Four Seasons Preferred Partner, and Mandarin Oriental Fan Club, to name a few. These perks range from spa services and later checkout times to room upgrades and complimentary breakfast.

How do you make money as a travel agent?

There are several ways a travel agent can make money in their field beyond selling travel packages or working for an agency.

Travel agents can charge a service fee, which is a base pay clients cover along with any other charges.

Travel agents can also make commissions from their contracts with hotels, tour/excursion companies, cruises, car rental services, and airlines. Add-ons like insurance can also help boost an agent's income, if their client wants it.

Booking group tours can increase a travel agent's earnings because their commission is based on how much their clients purchase, so more people means more accommodations. For example, booking travel for destination weddings or family reunions is an excellent way to book multiple hotel rooms. It's such a lucrative strategy that some agents make group booking their niche, because managing just a few a year can bring in a substantial profit.

RELATED: The Best Day to Book Flights for Your Next Getaway .

Being a travel agent comes with many perks, but ultimately, becoming one takes a lot of dedicated effort. Taking the time to learn about the travel industry is a great way to expand your tourism knowledge and consumer communication techniques. Refining your skills and becoming certified is one of the best ways to attract and retain clients.

So, if becoming a travel agent sounds like the career for you, join this community of globetrotters and combine your love for adventure, great deals, and helping others plan impressive getaways.

In the meantime, you can sign up for our newsletter to enjoy similar career-building content, as well as the latest in wellness, entertainment, and travel.

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This 1968 Chevy C20 ‘Sky Lounge’ Camper For Sale Is the Only Way to Travel This Summer

The tri-level Del Ray camper has a full kitchen, wood paneling, and observation windows perched above the pickup’s cab.

The summer heat is already upon us, which means if you haven't planned your summer getaway, it's already too late. Or perhaps not if you fancy the great outdoors, road trips , and camping — but not in that tent kind of way. Currently on Bring a Trai ler is this classic 1968 Chevy C20 outfitted with an incredible tri-level Del Ray "Sky Lounge" camper. 

Based on the more than 600 (!) images in the listing, the vehicle is downright stunning. Not necessarily in its styling or profile. The decked-out truck looks like a literal land yacht or a camel that was turned into a camper truck. No, the C20-camper combo is alluring because of how well-maintained and clean it is. Plus, the gold and white paint with matching gold and parchment-colored interior vinyl gives it an almost heavenly aura.

It didn't start out that way. As a beautiful brute, I mean.

The truck is a 1968 Chevy C20 CST Custom Camper. The 3/4-ton pickup is a Golden Anniversary edition that was ordered new through a Denver dealership and stayed within the family for almost 50 years. The original owner loved and cherished the truck from day one. 

According to Gateway Classic Cars , which handled the truck's first sale, the owner asked the dealer to cover the factory carpet in plastic upon delivery. The carpet essentially remained flawless until it was sold. In the BaT images, you can see there is no plastic. The original owner did install a camper, which is what C20 Custom Campers were built for, but it was not part of the first sale. 

The C20 powertrain consists of a 396ci V-8 that produces 235 horsepower and 345 pound-feet of torque. The rear-wheel-drive truck is equipped with a three-speed automatic. In 1970, dual saddle tanks were installed to boost driving range. Other upgrades and updates over the years include a dual exhaust  (1985), a 4:11 ratio rear end (1990), and a reupholstered driver's seat (1990).

 In 1991, the truck received a paint re-fresh because the factory coloring had started to fade. Of course, only Chevy-approved "Sikkens" paint was used. That same year, a heavy-duty tow hitch was installed as was a new timing chain.

When purchased by the current owner in 2023, a period-correct 1966 Del Rey Sky Lounger Camper was fitted on the truck and is included in the sale. The tri-level camper features all the amenities of a tiny house : a full kitchen, a bathroom with a shower, a dining table/sitting area, and sleeping quarters. Although sitting and sleeping are in two separate sections, both look like tight spaces for non-slender folks. The overhead loft is the place to be, though, with its large wrap-around windows that give it an observation deck vibe.

Throughout the years, the original owner maintained a meticulous record of the vehicle's history. Literally, all the receipts, including the vehicle build sheet. The current owner continues the theme and includes paperwork for the 60s-rea Del Rey camper.

No longer in Colorado, the C20-Del Rey pairing is being sold out of California but has a Montana title and plates. When first listed, the odometer had 92,075 miles. The readout now shows 94,327. The current owner states they added "approximately" 1,000 miles. Those numbers don't jive so either there was another owner, or the truck continued to be driven even after it was listed with Gateway Classic Cars. Doesn't matter. It looks immaculate, all things considered.

The BaT auction ends on Friday, June 7. When first sold, the last asking price was $49,000 — and that was just the truck. This time around, the all-inclusive package has no reserve. Whatever the final bid is, the new owner will get a near-perfect time capsule of 1960s camper traveling.

Personal Finance

Best no annual fee travel credit cards for june 2024.

Our evaluations and opinions are not influenced by our advertising relationships, but we may earn a commission from our partners’ links. This content is created independently from TIME’s editorial staff. Learn more about it.

Travelers are back in the skies and on the roads, airplanes are taking off full, and there is likely a good chance you’re planning to travel this year or thinking about it. Whether you’re heading off on a much-deserved vacation or just getting away for a weekend, you may be looking to earn rewards on your travel spending.

But most travel credit cards come with an annual fee. That might make sense for road-warrior business travelers who are on a first-name basis with the airport check-in agent, but what if you don’t travel as often? If you’re an occasional traveler, paying an annual fee might not make sense .

In this article, we’ll cover the best travel credit cards with no annual fee.

Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards: Summary

Best for thankyou points: citi rewards+® card, best for cash back on travel: card_name, best for hilton stays: card_name, best for united miles: card_name.

• Best for American miles: American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard®

Best for Delta miles: card_name

Our recommendations.

Citi Rewards+® Card

(Rates & Fees)

The Citi Rewards+® Card wouldn’t normally make a list of great travel cards, but it currently offers bonus points on some travel. Cardmembers can earn a total of five ThankYou Points on hotel, car rentals, and attractions booked through the Citi Travel portal through December 31, 2025.

If you’re invested in the Citi ThankYou Points ecosystem, the card is a must-have, not for its travel benefits, but for its point bonus on redemptions. The card offers a 10% rebate on point redemptions when you redeem your ThankYou Points. If you hold multiple ThankYou Point-earning cards and combine your ThankYou Points accounts, you get this rebate on any redemption, up to 100,000 points redeemed per year.

Here are the details of the Citi Rewards+® Card :

• Earn 20,000 bonus points after you spend $1,500 in purchases with your card within 3 months of account opening; redeemable for $200 in gift cards at thankyou.com
• Special offer: Earn 5 ThankYou® Points per $1 spent on hotel, car rentals and attractions booked on CitiTravel.com through December 31, 2025 (airfare is not included).
• 2 ThankYou Points per dollar on the first $6,000 spent per year at supermarkets and gas stations for first $6,000 per year and then 1X Points thereafter.
• 1 ThankYou Point per dollar on all other purchases.
• ‌ foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee.
• ‌ $0 (Rates & Fees) annual fee.

Costco Anywhere Visa® Card by Citi

If you want a no-annual-fee card that offers cash back on travel and are a Costco member, the card_name simply can’t be beat. The Costco Anywhere Visa offers 3% cash back on travel categories including airfare, hotels, car rentals, travel agencies, cruise lines and Costco Travel. You must be a Costco member to get this card, but if you’re looking for cash back on travel, few other cards offer as much cash back on as many travel categories as the Costco Anywhere Visa.

The one quirk of the rewards earned by the Costco Anywhere Visa Credit Card is that you earn your rewards as Costco Cash. Costco Cash rewards get distributed once your February billing statement closes in the form of a credit card reward certificate. This certificate must be redeemed at Costco for merchandise or cash.

Here are the details of the Costco Anywhere Visa Card:

• 4% cash back on the first $7,000 spent each year on eligible gas and EV charging purchases worldwide and then 1% thereafter.
• 3% cash back at restaurants worldwide.
• 3% cash back on eligible travel purchases.
• 2% cash back on all other purchases at Costco and at Costco.com.
• 1% cash back on all other purchases.
• ‌ annual_fees annual fee.

Hilton Honors Card from American Express

If your travel plans have you staying within Hilton’s family of hotel brands, consider picking up the card_name . The card earns seven Hilton Honors Bonus Points per dollar spent at hotel properties within the Hilton portfolio. And you’ll get Hilton points for your everyday purchases like gas and groceries. The card earns five Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations as well. The card is also a great choice if you’re planning to travel abroad as it does not charge foreign transaction fees.

Here are the details of the Hilton Honors American Express Card:

• 7 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at any participating hotel within the Hilton portfolio.
• 5 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar spent at U.S. restaurants, U.S. supermarkets, and U.S. gas stations.
• 3 Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar on all other eligible purchases.
• foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fee ( Rates & Fees ).
• annual_fees annual fee ( Rates & Fees ).

United Gateway℠ Card

Why we like it:.

United MileagePlus aficionados wanting to pad their mileage balances without paying an annual fee should take a look at the card_name . The card earns two United miles per dollar spent on United Airlines purchases, at gas stations, and on local transit and commuting.

The benefits of the card_name don’t stop with earning miles. The card also offers 25% back on United inflight and United Club premium drink purchases. And the card offers essential travel insurance coverage such as auto rental collision damage waiver, trip cancellation/interruption insurance, and purchase protection.

Here are the details of the United Gateway Card:

• 2 United miles per dollar spent on United purchases.
• 2 United miles per dollar spent at gas stations.
• 2 United miles per dollar spent on local transit and commuting.
• 1 United mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.
• foreign_transaction_fee foreign transaction fees.
• annual_fees annual fee.
• Member FDIC.

Best for American miles: card_name

Citibusiness® / aadvantage® platinum select® mastercard®.

If you want to earn American Airlines miles on your purchases with the airline, there may be no better card than the American Airlines AAdvantage® Mile Up® Mastercard® . The card earns two miles per dollar spent with American Airlines—an earning rate that matches even the airline’s most premium card_name , which carries a annual_fees annual fee. In addition to miles on American Airlines purchases, the card earns two miles per dollar spent at grocery stores.

The card_name has a unique feature among airline cards with no annual fee: The card can help you earn elite status with American Airlines. You earn one loyalty point for every one dollar you spend on purchases. Earning just 15,000 loyalty points in a year gets you Group 5 boarding privileges and a handful of preferred seat coupons. Once you earn 40,000 loyalty points in a year, you get AAdvantage Gold status, giving you access to complimentary upgrades.

Here are the details of the card_name :

• 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent on eligible American Airlines purchases.
• 2 AAdvantage miles per dollar spent at grocery stores, including grocery delivery services.
• 1 AAdvantage mile per dollar spent everywhere else.
• Earn 1 loyalty point for every AAdvantage mile earned from purchases.

Delta SkyMilesR Blue American Express Card

Delta Air Lines flyers can earn SkyMiles without paying an annual fee if they hold the card_name . The card_name offers two SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases and at restaurants, plus a 20% rebate on in-flight purchases. The card does not levy a foreign transaction fee ( Rates & Fees ), making it a solid option for international travelers who prefer SkyTeam.

Here are the details of the Delta SkyMiles Blue American Express Card:

• 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent on Delta purchases.
• 2 Delta SkyMiles per dollar spent at restaurants.
• 1 mile per dollar spent on all other purchases.

Best No Annual Fee Travel Credit Cards Comparison Chart

Our methodology.

To find the best travel credit cards with no annual fee, we looked at the offerings from banks, U.S.-based airlines, and the major hotel chains. To be included in our list, cash back cards had to earn greater than 2% cash rewards on travel. Co-branded hotel and airline cards needed to earn at least two points per dollar on purchases with the brand. In most cases, we found that holding the no-annual-fee card that aligns with your travel brand preferences will earn you the most miles and points.

TIME Stamp: Brand loyalty can be rewarding

If you are a Costco member, the card_name offers the best travel rewards across a variety of travel purchases. If you’re not a Costco member and want a travel credit card that offers the best rewards with no annual fee, go with the entry-level card of your most used travel brand.

The information presented here is created independently from the TIME editorial staff. To learn more, see our About page.

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• National Media Release
• CBP Reminds Summer Travelers to Stay ‘Travel Ready'

CBP Reminds Summer Travelers to Stay ‘Travel Ready'

WASHINGTON — As summer approaches and families prepare for their international trips, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) reminds the traveling public to use the agency’s official mobile applications to secure and streamline their travel and expedite their reentry into the United States.    

Throughout 2023, CBP expanded use of its technology, processing over 394 million travelers at ports of entry in fiscal year 2023, a 24-percent increase over last year, and has already reached almost 100 million travelers in the first quarter of FY2024, totaling more than 527 million travelers to date using biometric facial comparison technology at entry, exit and Preclearance locations, with a match rate of more than 98 percent.     

Additionally, memberships in CBP’s Trusted Traveler Programs in FY2024 has reached 14 million. For those looking to complete an interview before their summer travel, CBP currently has more than 158,000 interview appointments available within the next 90 days. Enrollment on Arrival (EoA) remains the best option to complete a GE interview. Applicants can complete their interview without an appointment and with just the entry documents they would normally carry when arriving from international locations.   

CBP has also introduced a complement of mobile applications with technological enhancements to help speed up the travel process when entering the U.S. via air, land, or sea. Global Entry, for example, launched a new mobile app in September 2023 that allows members to complete their entry processing on their phones before even leaving the plane. The app can be downloaded from the Apple App store and Google Play, and is currently available for use at 47 airports, with more locations coming soon.  To date around 348,000 Global Entry users have processed their arrival using the app.    

International travelers who are not Global Entry members can take advantage of the Mobile Passport Control app, which allows travelers to submit their passport and travel information in advance with a mobile device, resulting in less congestion and more efficient processing. MPC is available at 51 ports of entry, including 14 Preclearance locations and four seaports. It can be used by all U.S. citizens, U.S. Lawful Permanent Residents, B1/B2 Canadian Citizens, and returning Visa Waiver Program travelers. The app was used by 4.1 million travelers in FY2023, and has already had over 4.2 million uses in FY2024.   

Non-U.S. citizens planning travel into the U.S. also have the option of using the Electronic System for Travel Authorization mobile app or the CBP One mobile app. The ESTA Mobile app was implemented June 1, 2023, and has been used almost 422,000 times to submit an ESTA application for authorization to travel to the U.S. In the first quarter of FY2024, the app has been used almost 338,000 times to apply. The CBP One™ app may also be used by visitors to the U.S. to apply and pay for the I-94 online. In FY2023, visitors used the CBP One app more than 458,000 times to complete a provisional I-94 application and almost 195,000 times in the first quarter of FY2024.    

Additionally, U.S. citizens who are required to declare agriculture and biological products upon arrival into the United States may also use CBP One to provide advanced notification that they will need an agriculture inspection. Categories for declaration include:    

• Biological materials that may require permits issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)  
• Pets, specifically birds and dogs, accompanying travelers in various capacities that carry the potential of introducing foreign animal diseases to the U.S. or other public health concerns   
• Cleaning and disinfection of shoes  
• Hunting trophies    

All CBP applications can be downloaded free from the  Google Play Store  or  Apple App Store . For more information about CBP’s suite of mobile apps, visit Mobile Apps Directory | U.S. Customs and Border Protection (cbp.gov)     

For more information on preparing to travel abroad, visit the Know Before You Go page on the CBP website .  

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is America's frontline: the nation's largest law enforcement organization and the world's first unified border management agency. The 65,000+ men and women of CBP protect America on the ground, in the air, and on the seas. We facilitate safe, lawful travel and trade and ensure our country's economic prosperity. We enhance the nation's security through innovation, intelligence, collaboration, and trust.

Norilsk: The city built by gulag prisoners where Russia guards its Arctic secrets

Environmental activists are frustrated by how authorities handled a diesel spill which poured into two Arctic rivers in late May.

International correspondent @DiMagnaySky

Friday 3 July 2020 23:41, UK

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The drive from Norilsk airport to the city takes you past mile after mile of crumbling, Soviet-era factories.

It looks like an endless, rusting scrapyard - a jumble of pipes, industrial junk and frost-bitten brickwork. If you were looking for an industrial apocalypse film setting, this would be your place - but you're unlikely to get the permissions.

Norilsk was built in Stalin's times by gulag prisoners. This gritty industrial city is a testament to their endurance both of the cruelty of Stalin's regime and of the harsh polar climate. There were no thoughts then on how to build to protect the environment, just to survive it.

Vasily Ryabinin doesn't think much has changed, at least in ecological terms. He used to work for the local branch of the federal environmental watchdog, Rosprirodnadzor, but quit in June after exposing what he says was a failure to investigate properly the environmental impact of the gigantic diesel spill which poured into two Arctic rivers in late May.

At 21,000 tonnes, it was the largest industrial spill in the polar Arctic .

Despite the Kremlin declaring a federal emergency and sending a host of different agencies to participate in the clean-up, just last week Mr Ryabinin and activists from Greenpeace Russia found another area where technical water used in industrial processes was being pumped directly into the tundra from a nearby tailing pond. Russia's investigative committee has promised to investigate.

"The ecological situation here is so bad," Mr Ryabinin says.

"The latest constructions such as the tailing pond at the Talnack ore-processing plant were built exclusively by Nornickel chief executive Vladimir Potanin's team and supposedly in accordance with ecological standards, but on satellite images you can see that all the lakes in the vicinity have unnatural colours and obviously something has got into them."

Mining company Nornickel would disagree. It has admitted flagrant violations at the tailing pond and suspended staff it deems responsible at both the Talnack plant and at Norilsk Heat and Power plant no 3 where the diesel spill originated from.

On Thursday it appointed Andrey Bougrov, from its senior management board, to the newly-created role of senior vice president for environmental protection. It has a clear environmental strategy, provides regular updates on the status of the spill, and its Twitter feed is filled with climate-related alerts.

But what investors read is very different to the picture on the ground.

Norilsk used to be a closed city - one of dozens across the Soviet Union shut off to protect industrial secrets. Foreigners need special permissions approved by the Federal Security Service (FSB) to enter the region. It would take an invitation from Nornickel to make that happen and, for the past month since the spill, that has not been forthcoming.

Unlike in Soviet times, Russian citizens are now free to come and go. That's why our Sky News Moscow team were able to fly in and travel around the city, even if getting to the spill site was blocked. What they were able to film provides a snapshot of the immense challenge Russia faces in upgrading its Soviet-era industrial infrastructure, particularly at a time when climate change is melting the permafrost on which much of it was built.

Just downwind from one of the rusting factories on the city outskirts is a huge expanse of dead land. The skeletal remains of trees stand forlorn against the howling Arctic winds. Sulphur dioxide poisoning has snuffed the life out of all that lived here. Norilsk is the world's worst emitter of sulphur dioxide by a substantial margin.

"For 80km south of here everything is dead," Mr Ryabinin says, "and for at least 10km in that direction too. Everything here depends on the wind."

Immediately after the spill, Mr Ryabinin filmed and took samples from the Daldykan river just a few kilometres from the fuel tank which had leaked. By that point the river was a churning mix of diesel and red sludge dredged up from the riverbed by the force of the leak. Norilsk's rivers have turned red before and the chemical residues have sunk to the bottom, killing all life there. Nothing has lived in those rivers for decades.

In his capacity as deputy head of the local environmental watchdog, Mr Ryabinin says he insisted that he be allowed to fly further north to check the levels of contamination in Lake Pyasino and beyond.

Nornickel at the time claimed the lake was untouched by the spill. Mr Ryabinin says his boss encouraged him to let things be.

"I can't be sure I would have found anything, but this sort of confrontation - making sure I didn't go there with a camera, let alone with bottles for taking samples, it was all very clear to me. It was the final straw."

Rosprirodnadzor refused to comment to Sky News on Mr Ryabinin's allegations or suggestions that the agency was working hand in hand with Nornickel.

Georgy Kavanosyan is an environmental blogger with a healthy 37,000 following on YouTube. Shortly after the spill, he set out for Lake Pyasino and to the Pyasina River beyond to see how far the diesel had spread.

"We set out at night so that the Norilsk Nickel security wouldn't detect us. I say at night, but they've got polar nights there now, north of the Arctic Circle. So it's still light but it's quieter and we managed to go past all the cordons."

He is one of the few to have provided evidence that the diesel has in fact travelled far beyond where the company admits. Not just the 1,200km (745m) length of Lake Pyasino but into the river beyond.

He says his measurements indicated a volume of hydrocarbons dissolved in the water of between two and three times normal levels. He thinks after he published his findings on YouTube, the authorities' vigilance increased.

Greenpeace Russia have spent the last two weeks trying to obtain samples from Lake Pyasino and the surrounding area. They have faced difficulties getting around and flying their samples out for independent analysis.

They are now waiting for results from a laboratory in St Petersburg but say the samples remain valid technically for just four days after collection and that they weren't able to make that deadline due to the authorities' actively obstructing their work.

Elena Sakirko from Greenpeace Russia specialises in oil spills and says this has happened to her before. This time, a police helicopter flew to the hunter's hut where they were staying and confiscated the fuel for the boat they were using. Then a deputy for the Moscow city parliament tasked with bringing the samples back from Norilsk was forced to go back empty-handed.

"We were told at the airport we needed permission from the security department of Nornickel," Ms Sakirko says. "We asked them to show us some law or statement to prove that this was legal or what the basis for this was, but they haven't showed us anything and we still don't understand it."

Nornickel announced this week that the critical stage of the diesel spill is over. The company is now finalising dates for a press tour for foreign media and for other international environmentalists.

Mr Ryabinin thinks this should have happened weeks ago.

"If we don't let scientists come to the Arctic region to evaluate the impact of the accident, then in the future if anything similar happens, we won't know what to do."

A spokesperson for Nornickel said the company "is actively cooperating with the scientific community and will meticulously assess both the causes and effects of the accident."

Nornickel considers permafrost thawing to be the primary cause of the accident, but is waiting for the end of investigation before making a final statement, the spokesperson said.

They added that the company "accepts full responsibility for the incidents on its sites these past two months and holds itself accountable for any infrastructural deficits or poor decisions by personnel.

"The imperative is to do everything to clean up our sites, instil a stronger culture of transparency and safety in our workforce, and ensure that such situations do not occur in the future."

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